Shanghai

About

Shanghai is a puzzle game where players match tiles to clear boards. Inspired by traditional mahjong, each level features a grid of overlapping tiles that must be removed in pairs. The catch is tiles can only be selected if they’re unblocked on two sides. The goal is to clear all pieces without getting stuck. Simple mechanics make it accessible, but the challenge grows quickly as boards get more complex. Winning reveals a glowing dragon eye behind the tiles, a subtle nod to the game’s roots in fortune-telling myths. The Mac and Sega Master System versions take it further with an animated dragon that spits fire, a small but memorable touch for the era. With its 1986 release across platforms from arcade machines to home computers, it became a benchmark for puzzle design. Still played today, its clean logic and satisfying progression keep it relevant, with a 7.5/10 Metacritic score showing its enduring appeal.